The Three Kings Parade in Barcelona

• What? Three Kings Parade
• When? 5 January 2020
• Where? Barcelona

In Barcelona we celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings in style. It is a more genuinely local tradition than Father Christmas, who, although he has become fully integrated in recent years, is really an imported custom.

Our true tradition, apart from the Cagatió (the Christmas log), is the Three Kings, who arrive on the night of 5 January to leave lots of presents for all the children who have been good – or coal for those who have misbehaved.

Parades are organised in Barcelona’s different neighbourhoods to welcome them, but the most spectacular is undoubtedly the city’s main parade, which starts at Parc de la Ciutadella and ends at Montjuïc.

The Three Kings have been sailing the Mediterranean and will arrive in Barcelona at the Moll de la Fusta aboard the schooner Santa Eulàlia on 5 January. There they will be greeted by the Mayor of Barcelona, who will give them the magic key that opens every door in the city. The official parade starts at 6 pm and will follow this route:

Once the parade is over, everyone heads home to get ready for one of the most magical nights of the year. Children put their shoes in the living room so the Kings know where to leave the presents, and leave them turrón and cava in case they are hungry – and above all water for the camels, which are heavily laden and will need it. With everything ready, it’s quickly off to bed to wake up the next morning to lots of presents… or coal if you haven’t been good!